My interview is tomorrow, Please help me to answer these questions

[Microbot]

Dear everyone,

 

I'm an international student applying for MS in Biotech in US for Fall 2014. I will have my interview tomorrow via Skype. I have browsed many resources on the web regarding the sample questions, tips, etc. But I still can't come up with how to answer these questions. I would like to hear your suggestion, perhaps your sample answer if you have been asked with these question during your interview.

 

1. In what ways have your previous experience prepared you for graduate study in our program?

 

I'm confused of how to answer this question since I decided to apply to the MS program to gain more experience for applying to a PhD.

 

2.  What skills do you bring to the program? How will you help your mentor in his or her research?

 

This question is similar with No.1. I don't have much skills during my undergrad except some standard lab skills and techniques. I apply to the MS program to learn new skills. What should I mention during the interview to really differentiate myself from the crowd?

 

3. How would your professors describe you?

 

How to answer this question without looking conceited or exaggerating? Is this question similar with "What are you greatest strength and weakness?"

 

4. Why should we take you and not someone else?

 

What aspect of myself should I brainstorm to answer this question?

 

Please give me some insight about these questions. Thank you so much!

[DerpTastic]

Previous experience doesn't need to be at a graduate school. Many students can learn skills in either labs or research under profs (you may not have done this one, but I assume you have had labs). It could also be in classes, but a lab/research based experiences might be better? 

 

Once again, you don't really need to have done research to answer this. You have to have picked up some skills or abilities along the way. Even being able to think about problems in a different way, or anything. Even traits you have that are beneficial can be mentioned.

 

As long as you don't try to make this sound like you're the only one in the world who has these traits and that no one even comes close, you're probably fine. You'd probably have to type something and have people critique it. No one can really tell you what to say without any idea of what you're thinking of saying.

 

For the last one, you just need to stress how you'd be a valuable grad student to them. I would suggest being pretty specific, as most people can answer this with, "well I'm pretty smart." I would aim this at how you would help with research projects specifically, as that's really what they're looking for? That one is pretty tough and this answer is probably pretty worthless. xP 

 

 

Overall, I would suggest giving some kind of an answer and having people critique it. Either people you know or pm some people on here.